Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie

This Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie is a velvety, gently spiced classic that captures the traditions and warmth of Southern kitchens. Each bite brings out notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, wrapped in a flaky golden crust. It is the kind of dessert that transforms family suppers and holiday tables into joyful celebrations.

I first watched my grandmother make this pie during family gatherings She used to set the warm pie on the window sill and we would all sneak slices before dinner was even finished It instantly became a family tradition I still carry on today

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes: about two large for two cups mashed They bring natural sweetness creamy texture and classic flavor Use firm potatoes with bright orange flesh for the richest color
• Granulated sugar: one cup Adds brightness to balance the earthiness of sweet potatoes Opt for fine crystals for easier mixing
• Brown sugar: half a cup Offers molasses like warmth and a deeper caramel note Choose dark brown for extra richness
• Evaporated milk: half a cup Gives creaminess and silkiness Whole milk works if you are out of evaporated but for best texture stick with evaporated
• Unsalted butter: half a cup melted Provides smoothness and that signature buttery profile Go for high quality real butter for flavor
• Eggs: two large Help the filling set and keep everything together Fresh eggs will give the pie a fluffier structure
• Vanilla extract: one teaspoon Boosts all the spices and sweet potato flavor Pure extract gives the most fragrant result
• Ground cinnamon: one teaspoon Adds cozy comforting spice Use fresh ground for more punch
• Ground nutmeg: half a teaspoon Lends a subtle nuttiness and warmth Try grating whole nutmeg for the most aromatic pie
• Salt: a quarter teaspoon Makes all the sweet and spice notes pop Choose fine salt for even distribution
• Unbaked nine inch pie crust: Holds everything together and becomes irresistibly flaky A homemade or deep dish store bought crust works

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Equipment:

Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and place the rack in the center This ensures even heat so the pie bakes through and sets up just right

Combine Ingredients:

Mash the roasted sweet potatoes in a large bowl until very smooth Add both sugars melted butter eggs evaporated milk vanilla cinnamon nutmeg and salt Blend with a hand mixer or whisk until the mixture looks silky and fully incorporated Smoothness here ensures a creamy filling

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:

Roll out a pie crust to fit a nine inch pie dish Gently press it into the edges and bottom then crimp the edges for a lovely finish A deep dish works best to hold all the filling

Assemble the Dish:

Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared crust and smooth the surface with a spatula This helps everything bake evenly and finish with a beautiful top

Cook to Perfection:

Bake in the center of the oven for fifty five to sixty minutes until the center just barely jiggles and a toothpick inserted comes out clean This timing sets the filling and builds that rich golden crust

Finishing Touches:

Cool the pie on a rack for at least two hours before slicing This helps the filling firm up for perfectly clean slices

Serve and Enjoy:

Slice and serve plain or with a generous dollop of whipped cream It is delicious either chilled or at room temperature soaking up compliments along the way

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My favorite part is using fresh sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized You can really taste that difference The creamy smooth texture and spicy sweet aroma always bring me back to my grandmother’s kitchen where we would laugh and sneak extra helpings together

Storage Tips

Let the pie cool completely before covering and placing it in the refrigerator It will keep well for up to five days For longer storage wrap the pie tightly and freeze for up to one month Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave or oven to serve warm

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have evaporated milk whole milk or half and half will work Brown sugar can be replaced with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness profile For a dairy free version use plant based butter and almond milk

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Serving Suggestions

Serve each slice with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream For a festive twist try topping with candied pecans a drizzle of caramel sauce or even cinnamon spiced apples This pie also shines with a dusting of powdered sugar for extra charm

Cultural and Historical Context

Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie has deep roots in African American and Southern culinary traditions Sweet potatoes were abundant in the South and became the base for this dessert which is now a mainstay at holiday tables and Sunday suppers The flavors and love baked into each pie honor heritage and bring friends and family together

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Although fresh roasted sweet potatoes provide a richer flavor and better texture, canned sweet potatoes can be used as a convenient alternative.

→ How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The center should be set with a slight jiggle and a toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean or with minimal crumbs.

→ What causes cracks on the pie’s surface?

Overmixing the filling or baking at too high a temperature can cause cracks. Mixing gently and baking evenly helps keep a smooth top.

→ Are there good substitutes for evaporated milk?

Half-and-half or whole milk can replace evaporated milk, although the filling may be slightly less rich.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Cover and refrigerate slices for up to 5 days. Leftovers also freeze well for up to a month, with reheating done gently to preserve texture.

→ Can this be made dairy-free?

Yes, by swapping butter for plant-based alternatives and using almond or other plant milks, the pie can suit dairy-free preferences.

→ What is the best way to serve this pie?

Serve chilled, room temperature, or slightly warm, optionally topped with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel.